Kochi: Road repair works to begin after easing of code of conduct

TNN | Updated: Apr 26, 2019, 9:26 IST

Officials said that they could begin road-relaying works once the code of conduct has been lifted

KOCHI: The road owners in the city, including the Kochi corporation and the public works department (PWD) cite the declaration of Parliament elections as the main reason for the delay in undertaking road repair and relaying works in the city. Officials said that they could begin road-relaying works once the code of conduct has been lifted. Though they were aware of the influx of people to Kochi during holidays, there is nothing much they could do to repair the damaged stretches of roads. “The code of conduct is in force. We can finalize and award tenders once the elections are over,” said a corporation official. Kochi mayor Soumini Jain had earlier said the local body discussed the issue with its engineers. She said the corporation would be able to undertake road-relaying works once the polls are over. “Small puddles have formed on many roads because of summer rains. All potholes will be filled. The plan is to relay entire stretches of road if there are significant damages. Instructions have been given to take detailed estimate for the works,” said a corporation official.

However, it is alleged that though local bodies and PWD overlooked the need for carrying out relaying works while giving permission for road cutting works to the Kerala Water Authority (KWA). “The water authority has remitted the amount for relaying works with the road owners. When the permission was granted they knew that they would have to relay damaged roads. The corporation and the PWD has been updated on the work in advance. They could have planned earlier and awarded tenders accordingly,” said a KWA official.